Cabinet Approves Rs 8,800 Crore For Skill India Programme Till 2026

The Union Cabinet approved the continuation and restructuring of the ‘Skill India Programme’ till 2026 with an outlay of Rs 8,800 crore from the period 2022-23 to 2025-26.

During a press briefing on Friday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that this approval underscores the government’s commitment to building a skilled, future-ready workforce by integrating demand-driven, technology-enabled, and industry-aligned training across the country.

The Skill India Programme plays a crucial role in equipping India’s workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 or PMKVY 4.0; the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme or PM-NAPS; and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan or JSS Scheme—the three key components—are now combined under the composite Central Sector Scheme of the 'Skill India Programme.'

Vaishnaw noted that these initiatives aim to provide structured skill development, on-the-job training, and community-based learning, ensuring that both urban and rural populations, including marginalised communities, have access to high-quality vocational education.

"Under the three flagship schemes of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, there are more than 2.27 crore beneficiaries to date," he further said.

With the continuation of the Skill India Programme, the government seeks to reinforce its commitment to lifelong learning, recognising the importance of continuous upskilling and reskilling in today’s rapidly changing employment landscape. "The initiative will directly contribute to the Periodic Labour Force Survey or PLFS, data, ensuring that workforce development policies remain aligned with economic and industrial trends," Vaishnaw shared while briefing the press following the cabinet meeting.

By integrating industry-relevant training, emerging technologies, and international mobility initiatives, the program aims to create a highly skilled and competitive workforce. As a key driver of economic empowerment, Skill India contributes to employment generation, entrepreneurship, and productivity enhancement across sectors.